Conference misery::feline_v1

by the way, I am in ZK (So Nashua).  If you want to send things over
to me, rather than dropping them at the humane society, my mailstop
is ZK01-2/D19 and my name is Louise Aitel.

I'm very glad to see someone who really cares about the homeless feline
situation!

Two months ago my wife called the several animal shelters in the Nashua
area when we were looking to adopt two kittens. Unfortunately for us, at the
time, there were no kittens available to adopt. I was glad that the shelters
were not overflowing at the seams with poor, homeless cats. I suppose at
other times there are many. We eventually adopted two kittens from a private
party.

I only wish more people realized what wonderful pets kittens and cats really
are! Even Corky and his crew would change their tune if they adopted one
of these adorable animals. Gee, even RAINBO::CHIMENTO owns THREE cats!!!

When our kittens start losing interest in their many toys I will forward
you what hasn't been torn apart. My wife spends half her time keeping
them off the curtains, piano, TV, etc. So I guess the toys still will be
in fairly decent shape.

-- Bob

Re: 45.1

> my mailstop is ZK01-2/D19 and my name is Louise Aitel.

Louise,

     By the date of this note it has been some time.  Are you still 
collecting kitty toys?  If so are you still in ZK?
     I would be interested in helping poor homeless kittys also.
You are very brave going into the humane society and leaving without
a new kitty, I don't think I could bear to leave them!!



 - KC

    I haven't done the toys for a while now - might be good to start
    again.  Although, now that our kitties are grown, it might be
    difficult to walk out without a new one!
    
    --Louise

    Hi Louise--
    
    Please let me know if you are going to do this, and I'll gladly
    give you some "toys" (new and used) for the cats.  You ARE brave--I
    just can't stand going in the shelters anymore.  I have a "stray"
    at home (she's been with me 10 years) who'd go berserk if I ever
    brought home another feline.
    
    Let me know,
    
    Jane

    Maybe your stray wouldn't mind that much.  We took in a stray 6
    years ago and he chased my other male out.  Well, we just got a
    couple of week old kitten whose mother was killed by a car.  We
    fed her with an eye dropper and fed her food off our finger tips.
    Well, the cat who wished he was an only child suddenly became this
    babys mother.  He washes her, hits her when she gets too playful
    and comes running to her rescue when she cries.  He is definitely
    protective of her.  It's unbelievable. This new baby thinks I am
    her mother and now climbs into my lab for 10 minutes every night
    and sucks her paw pad.  She is the sweetest little thing.

    I hope this is a "GOOD SPOT"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    I'm new here to the NOTES FILE for Felines.....
    
    
    I introduced "SCRUFFY" in the notes file.  Our 3 1/2 year old.  She was
    a stray in our neighborhood and has turned into a beautiful cat.  But
    my HEART aches for those still in our neighborhood and keep on
    multiplying.
    
    I have called the Lancaster Humane Society, Framinhams, Holliston. 
    They are all full.  I called one in Sterling:  she seem to be asking
    for alot of money......has anyone dealt with them?  I will contribute
    food, money, litter..........but I can't continue months after????
    
    I know of 6 kittens:  Black and White Tuxedos!! wicked soft, clean, and
    friendly -- they are about 7 months and will make kitties of their own
    soon! IF not already!!!!  There are at least 3 Females of about 3 years
    old:  One I call Bright Eyes -- she makes LOTS of kittens -- she Calico
    and Friendly and deserves a home soo bad!  I know of 3 Males who are
    making these babies -- One looks like a Lepard - needs loving and one,
    part Maine Coon -- needs loving.  BRIGHT EYES also has a litter of
    about 3 or 4 months running around:  two, black and white, and one grey
    I've seen.
    
    I know there are alot of cats, but I need a miricle I guess, I feed
    them all, can't break it now -- even though ti costs alot.  I'm very
    soft-hearted when it comes too Cats..........
    
    I will deliver and pay for part of the FIXING if someone wants them.
    Will throw FOOD & LITTER TOO!  They all look very healthy, need a
    vets check-up and shots---------------but a "Warm, Dry, Cozy HOME!
    with Love..............!"
    
    

    re .-1
    
    If you haven't already asked, remember to ask Nancy DC (CRUISE::NDC)
    for low-cost spay certificates. Many places will accept them, and it'll
    help your good intentions go even farther.
    
    jack

    Re: .7
    
    Can you catch the female cats and have them spayed, even if you have to 
    return them to being your quasi-outdoor cats?  
    

    Yes - send me your mailstop and I'll send you low-cost spay
    applications.  re: Sterling - I've heard some bad stories about
    that place.  I would stear clear of them.
      Many humane societies will loan you "have-a-heart" traps.  Some
    request a deposit.  But it sounds like you wouldn't need one.
    Once you have the list of participating vets for the spays call
    one of them and tell him/her what you intend to do.  Hopefully
    you can get some help from that vet.  If money becomes a problem
    let me know.  Maybe I can make a small donation to help defray
    the cost of the spaying before it gets totally out of hand.
      Thanks for caring.
       Nancy DC
    

    THANK YOU VERY  MUCH FOR YOUR RESPONSE!!
    
    I haven't heard of SPRAYING.  I'm at:  HLO2-2/N08 -- Carol Weston.....
    I do appreciate the offer of donation.  I will let anyone know if it
    becomes necessary.  I feel If I have to go broke to save them and
    prevent more, I will.  
    
    Note:  I also had a bad feeling about Sterling...........thank you for
    the warning!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    I was given a suggestions of one Humane Society in Worcester, near the
    new Gleandale Mall (if that's correct?).  Has anyone heard of them?
    
    				I'll keep on trying!!!!
    

    Thats S-P-A-Y-I-N-G... not spRaying  :-)
    
    The forms are on their way with a list of participating vets.
      Nancy DC who's always willing to help a cat/dog in need.
    

    THANKS AGAIN NANCY........
    
    TYPE-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
    
    I've also been trying to get the number on the Worcester - Glendale
    area, Humane Society.......Have you this one?  Have you heard of this
    place?  Someone, told me of it and they were, a while ago, looking for
    some cats/kittens.  Would like to bring them all there.
    
    I'll be looking for the forms.  Appreciate the help.
    
    

    I haven't heard of the Worcester-Glendale shelter.  But then,  I
    live on the South Shore so Worcester isn't exactly my home turf.
    Perhaps one of the other feliners with a worcester phone book
    can look it up for you.
      Nancy DC
    
    p.s. At this time of the year you may be able to find homes for
    the kittens as early Christmas presents.  Just be sure that the
    person who's getting the kitten as a present has consulted the
    recipient of the gift.  A gift of a pet to a person not ready
    for the responsibility isn't a good gift.
    

    
    	The only one in Worcester I could find was the Animal
    	Rescue League,  RR 139 Holden St, Worc, 853-0300.
    
    
    	Sherry
    

    THANKS,
    
    I will give them a call...........15 EXTRA Cats/Kittens is a bit much
    for us right now and Nancy............Kittens would be a nice Xmas,
    Gift.
    
    Will do my best!
    
    					

    Just to let you know, on the Worcester Animal Resue League, I called
    and they said they COULD place the 4 small (3 month/4month) old kittens
    --- If I can catch  them --- but the older cats and the 8 month kittens
    would not be placed, they would put them to sleep............NO!
    
    I'd rather take the best care of them as I can, If I can FIX a few or
    all of them, I will, and let Mother Nature do the rest.  It's not a bad
    neighborhood for cats.  There are a couple of Barns they go in and I
    have a place or two for them also.......
    
    			But I'd never put an animal to sleep
    			only if I had too.......Been there a
    			couple of times......very hard to do.
    
    Thank you for the info., but don't recommend it!
    
    

    Keep us posted on how you make out Carol.  You never know where
    help may come from, especially where this group is involved  :-)
      Nancy DC

    Nancy,
    
    I haven't seen any of the Flyers you were going to send me, I'm a
    Contractor here, and I feel they aren't sending it here.  If you still
    have some.  Please Mail it to this address:
    
    Carol Weston
    35 Dudley Road
    Hudson, MA  01749
    
    The Tuxedo Kittens-- 8-9 months old.  Are so pretty, they are as big as
    a full-grown cat.  Boy can they eat.  I have about 7 - 12 at times at
    my door.  The 4 month old kittens are getting more "daring" to see me.
    
    I hope -- with Xmas and all -- I can fix a few females.  Money is very
    tight at home now, I know alot of people are in this boat.  But I DREAM
    of getting them to the Humane Societies -- all of them.  That would
    make me real happy!  "I look like one myself, when I'm feeding them!"
    
    Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Spread the word if anyone is looking for
    				a gift.  They are short-haird and black &
    				white Tuxedos.  Real Friendly.
    
    				The smaller kittens: (2) gray (2) Tuxedos
    				that have white mustashes.
    
    

    I sent them off last week Carol, but I'll be happy to send more
    via us mail.
      Nancy DC

    NANCY,
    
    As I've stated -- I believe it will be better to send them to my home.
    
    Have a few strange people in the area --- one so bad, she would
    actually throw away any mail for me.  (Too long a story!)
    
    I'm bringing -- my own SCRUFFY to be checked by my vet for the first
    time tonite.  Not really looking forward to it.  She's in our home
    more, over the past year, and has been with us for almost 3 years, but
    this will be very tramatic for her.  I hope she won't run away.  I want
    her thoroughly checked out, shots, she might have ear-mites, and she's
    had some diarrea lately.  See if she needs to be fixed, hasn't been
    prego yet..........and if so, make an appointment or I might leave her
    there to be done.  I'm so concerned of my own feelings --- I know this
    is best for her...............just hope she understands!!!!  I have a
    carrier and I've put her favorite mouse in it.  I'm also making my
    husband come along for ..........MY support. 
    
    Will let you know -- here or at home, when I received the forms!
    
    Thanks once again!
    
    Carol Weston
    
    

    When you say you are concerned that Scruffy might run away, do you mean 
    she is an outdoor cat and you're concerned about her running
    away after you bring her home?  If so, I would give her five or ten 
    minutes in the house after you come home, reassuring her, before you let her
    out, so she has the idea that she is safe there again as opposed to the
    idea that she has "managed to escape".
    

    re: .21  
    
    Carol, 
      I had the same fear when we took Jesse to the vets and he
    surprized me.  Of course, after he was neutered we had to keep
    him in for a few weeks to treat his ears.  Then we found out he
    was FLV neg and set him mix with the other five cats.  He has
    managed to escape three times now - the most recent being 
    yesterday ...  long story... and he's come back twice - when
    he gets hungry  :-)  There's nothing Jesse likes more than a
    good meal - and he's beginning to look it.  
      They really seem to know that you're trying to help them.  You
    might try keeping her in for a few days after the visit to the
    vet.
      Nancy DC

    Hi!
    
    Yes, that's exatly what we did.  It was bad for me, for I've never
    heard her meow like that.  She wante out of the carrier and was pulling
    on my jacket to get out.  We held her at the vets and she was very good
    with him.  Marlboro Annimal Hospital.  We had our dog there two years
    ago.  She had her shots (3) her ears have wax, no mites which I was
    surprise, for she IS an outside cat, will stay in the house for bad
    weather and when she wants too.  Sleeps with us about 4 -5 nites a
    week, and spends alot of the weekend with us.  She has her own area for
    eating in our kitchen and has toys of her own.  She adopted us, so we
    feel she is ours, but she still has her freedom, which SHE insists
    upon.
    
    Our neighborhood is surounded by woods, on a dead-end street and she
    and the OTHERS are very safe.  Mother_Nature takes care of the rest.
    
    We did leave her in the house, as long as we could after the vets.  It
    was a nice evening so she was out for the nite.  I called her Saturday
    morning and no Scruffy.  We were at a party for most of the day and
    that nite she came home.  I was so happy, but she was not happy about
    the drops.  I feel comfortale -- she knows we don't jump to put the
    drops in when she gets in--- she sleeps and eats and then, we upset
    her.  But she's better about them so far, just a few more days.  But we
    have to bring her back for (1) more shot, her teeth scrapped and she'll
    be check (by shaving her tummy a bit) to see if she was fixed.  She's
    close to 4 years old and no litter.  She really doesn't go in heat. 
    She came to us around 8 months to a year old.
    
    So things are better and back to normal at home with Scruffy....
    
    Carol Weston
    
    

    Nancy, read note 45.24 -- I answered about Scruffy's Debute with the
    Vet.  It worked out well, we had her in just for about 10 - 15 minutes
    and it was a nice evening so she went out.  Fortunately, she came back
    in the following nite.  It's very difficult keeping her in.  I think
    she'll be in and out alot, with the ear drops, but it's colder now, so
    I think she's putting up with it----------------to keep warm!!!
    
    I received you forms!!!! And the donation.  Thank you so much, once
    again.  I'm gonna wait for the end of the week and see if the other
    donation comes.  I'm going to call the vet in Lancaster and see when I
    can bring (1) or maybe (2) in to be fixed and if they can stay there to
    recoop or possibly get placed.  They live outside and I don't know if
    they'll get infected with stiches and it's getting colder, so I don't
    know if they'll take care of themselves in one of the barns or not.
    
    I appreciate all the help here.............on the NOTES FILE!!!
    
    I believe SCRUFFY..we'll be alright, but like I said in NOTE:  45.24, I
    have to take her back in 3 weeks and I don't want to, just because I
    have to upset her again!!!! But maybe she'll realize she comes home!
    
    Carol Weston
    
    

    Make sure you send for the certificates before you make the appt.
    I'm not sure how long it will take for the certificate to get back
    to you.  Just make sure your vet wil take it before you send in
    the money.
      Good luck.
      Nancy DC

    Oh! 
    Glad I read your note.  So I send in the $33./for female cat and they
    send me a certificate to bring to the VET?  O.K., I'll call the VET in
    Lancaster and see how they handle this, then send away for the
    appropriate number of certificates for the females we are fixing. 
    Going to fix a male or two, too!
    
    Received another donation yesterday.  Still surprises me that there are
    still people out there, very willing to help one another.  After they
    appointment is all set, I'm planning on mailing out to each of you, a
    copy of the bill (PAID IN FULL)----I feel you trust me, I just think
    you both deserve a copy.
    
    I'll call today on the vet -- if I can.............THANKS for keeping
    me on my toes!
    
    Carol Weston
    

    Carol,
      The copy of the bill is totally unnecessary.  If I didn't trust
    you I wouldn't have sent you a donation.  Just let us know how
    you're making out with your crew.  Are there any female tiger
    cats in the group?  I know someone who says she's going to get 
    another kitten in the spring, but if I came up with a female
    tiger kitten now, who was in desperate need of a home, she just 
    might consider it.
      Nancy DC 
    
    

    NO female tiger cat.  The females I'm planning on fixing are;
    
    calico -- black and white -- cocoa in color all over.
    
    Younger females are short-haird black ,and black and white.
    
    Spotted a new female (oh! no!)  Fluffy calico, she's real pretty, let
    me touch her, might be use to some people up the street.  Might try and
    catch her too.  She would be a real pretty pet.  
    
    Which I could help you out.   The new kittens are:
    
    		Black & White and Grey and White  - real cute.
    
    
    Thanks for asking!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    

    I absolutely must stop reading this notes file.....
     
    Just a quick question.  I was under the impression that the Humane
    Society was willing to take the younger kittens.  Am I mis-reading this
    or are you still trying to find homes for them yourself??
    
    I'm not in a position to take one at the moment.  Already over the
    max...and also a new dog who is still learning the rules of the house.
    
    Good luck in your search for homes.
    
    Sandi mom to THUNDER, LIGHTNING, STORM & DEJAVU too
    
    

    re: .30
      Oh Sandi, PLEASE don't stop reading!!
      Nancy DC

    I have called in the past month to a month in a half all local Humane
    Societies.  They are full for YOUNGER and OLDER CATS.  I'm planning on
    calling once again this week.  I figure, if I wait imbetween, I might
    find an opening.  I have asked all people I know, if they want one, no
    luck.  
    
    And since I talked last---- yesterday 11/27 --- I had a sad thing
    happen.  One of the grey/white 4-5 month old kittens was hit on my
    street.  I had just fed her and one other about half an hour before.  I
    had moved my car and looked down the road, my heart stoped, I was so
    afraid it was my Scruffy...  I got a flat shovel and went to get her. 
    She was hit on the side of the face, blood....... I place her in my
    wheel-barrol and covered her till we can burry her this week.  I was so
    mad, for obiously it was someone from my neighborhood and they didn't
    bother to stop.  There are PLENTY of people who don't give a dam!!! I
    feel bad just seeing a squirel hit!!  I was so upset..........but
    there's nothing I can do.  It hurt to see it's brother or sister
    looking for her..........  Gee, enough,,,,,,,,,,
    
    I'm waiting for three certificates for my older females and I hope the
    Humane Society - next door to the vet I'll be taking them, will take
    them after.  I'm planning on fixing a few males too....
    
    I brought Scruffy in today for her 2nd shot and her teeth to be
    scrapped.  They are going to shave a spot on her belly, to see if she's
    ever been spayed.  She was better than her first visit........but I'm
    such a softy I can't stand to hear her cry........hope she will be
    content to stay in, when I bring her home.  It's such a lousey day
    today.
    
    Sorry to give such sad news.......just had to share it..........And
    Scruffy, will survive........!!!
    
    Will keep intouch, as things happen.
    
    Carol
    
    

    Oh, Carol,
    
         I know how much it hurts.  I remember one day driving off my
    street and seeing a squirrel standing off to the side, just shaking its
    whole body.  I didn't see any blood, but it looked like it was maybe
    having a heart attack or something; I was afraid to go near it, after
    all it was a wild animal, for fear it would bite me.  I finally drove
    by, feeling terrible.
      
         My husband, who leaves about 10 minutes after I do, said he saw
    the squirrel dead when he came out.
    
         I felt so bad, with Tufts right around the corner, but if it
    didn't make it in that 10 minute time span it would have never made the
    10 minute ride to Tufts ...

    Thanks,
    
    Just frustrated -- want to (in my dreams) place all the strays in my
    neighborhood in the Humane Society.  I'm doing for them -- but for me
    too.  I get so wrapped up with them.......I even make my husband wait
    for dinner -- so they can eat first!!!!!!  (He really teases me on that
    one.)
    
    I guess we just have to do what we can and Mother Nature has her set
    rules.
    
    Thanks for the sympathy
    
    

    Of course, hubby could be making the dinner.....
    

    Hey - Jack waits for his dinner too while I feed the crew.
    
    Carol - I know how attached you can get to these lost souls.  I
    hate the thought of placing Jesse and he's going to a good home.
    Your little one will be remembered when we make our Silver Lining
    Memorial Gift this quarter.  See note #2228 if you don't know what
    that is.
      Take care.
      Nancy DC

    THANK YOU ALL -- for the thoughts about my loss.  I sent you a note
    Nancy from my account on the kitten's name.  Is there a donation I need
    to send?  Also --- just for your info., I picked up some Inter-Office
    Envelopes, here at HLO2 directly from the Mail Room, because I was out. 
    You'll never guess who's name was on one and from who?  Mine, from you,
    empty, of course!!!  Can't believe such people!!  Yep, I'm a contractor
    and I'm not listed, but it's a real mail stop!!  I know, from being a
    FORMER DECy, that they frown on Personal mail.  Sorry they took your
    flyers.......!
    
    ***********
    Also,
    
    Picked Scruffy up at 4:30 yesterday from her Dentistry and 2nd Leukemia
    shot.  Could not believe the price!!!!   But I was also upset at how
    Scruffy was handling it.  When the doctor recommended this, inside I
    felt the Teeth scrapping was not nescessary and now I feel I'm right. 
    I do understand that it is good to do, but not for Scruffy.  She's an
    outdoors cat and was so frighten, well........I couldn't stop crying
    for her.  She was so doped up from the Anisteshia, that even late that
    nite, she was basically out of it.  They also told me to keep her in,
    3-5 days!! RIGHT!! NO way.... she won't.  She was growling at me and
    looked like hell!!  My husband walked around with her outside last
    nite, till she did her duty.  We both had meetings, so we left her in. 
    This seems to calm her down an when I got home first, she was sleepy
    and slept in my lap for about 1 1/2.  I was so relieved  She slept with
    us till about 5:00 and was out for 1 hour, came back in and when I left
    for work she barely touched her food, (had a little of her medicine)
    and then choose to stay out.  At least I know she'll go in the barn and
    sleep.  Next door or up the street.  I'm planning to go home at noon
    time to see if she wants in.  Sorry to carry on...........but I really
    REGRET doing this to her!!  Never again!!!  Next year for her shots and
    that's it!  I have very strong instincts and I should of stayed with
    them.  I just hope she'll be fine.........
    
    						Just a worried mom,
    here....
    
    Carol
    
    

    Carol, I know how it is to listen to them cry and carry on, but
    you did the right thing by having Scruffy vet checked and teeth
    scraped.  I currently have two rehabilitated feral cats and believe
    me, every time we go to the vet it takes a toll on all of us!  They
    hate everything, from the carrier to the car ride to the vet himself.
    It isn't fun, but it's for their own good and I have learned to
    simply tune out their pitiful cries.  I used to cry right along
    with them in the car and ask myself, "why, why, WHY, did I ever
    take them in in the first place" but that answer is easy!  Because
    I care, because I don't want to see them suffer, because they are
    wonderful, loveable pets and are so happy to have a home that they
    can come into and be loved.  Their gratefulness just shines through
    in their eyes when they look at me and although that sounds corny,
    it's the way it is.
    
    T.K. needs his teeth scraped too.  The vet showed me the damage
    to his gums and although I dread the thought of taking him back
    to the vet, it has to be done.  I commend you for caring so much
    and going the extra mile for Scruffy.  It's very emotional, but
    the end results are worth it!
    

    Thanks.........I know it's for her own good....Just hope she doesn't
    have to visit the vets till her shots next year.  I'm too emotional
    about them.  She came in for lunch-time.  Ate very little, looks like
    she has diarrea -- gave her some cheese hope she'll eat more tonite.  
    
    She wanted back out so she went.  Have her usual bounce to her.  Seems
    to be feeling herself more.  Just needs to eat and not have the
    RUNS....  Don't want her sick now.
    
    Got to try and get some food in her so she'll eat her medicine.  I do
    appreciate the pat-on-the back.  I feel I'm the only one in the
    neighborhood that cares.  But.......I might have another person next
    door who wants to feed some too.
    
    This too will pass, as they say.  Thanks again......
    

    Carol -
      As I was told in nursing school 16 (16!!) years ago, "sometimes
    you have to hurt to help".  I hated bringing Jesse in too, but it
    had to be done and thank God we did bring him in.  He had a serious
    infection.  Scruffy will adjust.  Remember that cats will take their
    cues from you. If you are all upset then the cat gets all upset
    - before anything even happens.  Jesse doesn't seem to mind the
    vet at all now.  Actually, one of the feliners remarked to me, when
    I expressed the fear that Jesse would HATE us for taking him to
    the vet, that Jesse won't hate us, in fact he'll love us for rescuing
    him from that awful place (vet's).
    
    Mao and Bumpytail are both having their teeth done very soon.
      N
    

    Scruffy is better...........just I couldn't keep her in the house as
    they have requested.  Is it possible that her teeth could still be
    sensitive?  She isn't eating alot and this is the way I'm giving her,
    her medicine.  So she she really isn't getting alot of MEDS at the
    moment.  She slept alot last evening and nite, which did MY HEART,
    good.
    
    She's just about her oldself and is SMILING again!!  yea, she does
    smile.
    
    I'm sure.........she's glad I rescued her!!!!
    
    

    Hello Carol -
    
    I have a kitty named Ming, and they vet told me she needed to have
    her teeth scraped and we made the appointment. (Little back ground
    info here - Ming is a Himilayian and came from a cattery and is
    7 years old, and since we had her she always squinted and we couldn't
    see her beautiful blue eyes.) On the day we took her in she was
    so afraid, (been to the vets many times before according to her
    records) I left her and called later to check and was told her teeth
    were TERRIBLE, they extracted 4 teeth and scraped the rest. I was
    so upset. When we picked her up she was so listless. Didn't eat
    for days, and we had to give her amphicilian (sp) and finally after
    about a week, (and she had lost so much weight) she started eating
    and from then on she has been wonderful. Her eyes are so big and
    beautiful, she doesn't squint anymore and once in a while she had
    a read yellowie discharge from her nose and since we have had her
    teeth taken care of we don't have any of the above any more. The
    doctor said her teeth looked okay but up under the gums the decay
    was terrible. They would never have found it if they hadn't put
    her under to do the work.
    
    Be thankful you had it done. So many problems can come from bad
    teeth as we found out with Ming. Also can cause real serious eye
    problems with ulcers on the eye itself.
    
    Scruffy will feel better in no time. The reason they want you to
    keep her in is there is a chance of phemonia (sp) after surgery
    and with the cold weather we have been having it's a good idea.
    
    Barbara

    Thanks for your story.....
    
    She won't use the Litter Box, never has --- so it's impossible for us
    to keep her totally in.  I know she uses a Barn to sleep in too and my
    husband goes home early and calls her in.  So she's in part of the day
    and most of the nite.  I know it's awfuly cold and I do worry about her
    getting sick, but I'm watching her.  I go home at noon time to check on
    her too and call my foolish head off for her to come home!!!
    
    Thanks for the support!
    
    Carol
    
    

    Mao and Bumpytail will be going in to have their teeth done next
    Tuesday.  Boy are there going to be some "pissed pussies" in the
    house for a bit.
      N

    Why do you need to get yours cats/kitties/moggies/felines teeth 
    scrappe
    whoops! scraped? Percy and Pookie seem to have perfectly good teeth,
    they are 18 months old.
    
    Lisa.
    

re: -.1

If your cats eat only canned food, they will eventually get plaque
build-up just like we humans do - and subsequent loss of teeth - if
not treated.  Teeth cleaning is the recommended treatment.  Some cats
get plaque easily, some seem to not get it so easily....some cats get
it even tho they are fed dry kibble and canned food.  If your cats
are cooperative, you can do it yourself with a terry-cloth rag (clean),
used dry, and rubbed gently, but firmly, over the teeth - at least weekly.
You may need to get them professionally cleaned once to begin with and
then maintained by regular treatment at home...your vet can examine the
teeth and tell you if the gums/teeth look clean.

    Even if they eat dry food the cats can get tartar buildup.  Bumpy-tail
    is 12 yrs old and has a bit of a build up on her back teeth.
    Mao is 10 and has a significantly worse buildup on all teeth.  They
    eat the same diet.  Mao just has a mouth chemistry that makes her
    prone to tartar.  Since I expect these cats to live to be 20 or
    so it is wise to take care of their teeth now.  
      If I fail to care for their teeth now then they WILL develop
    gingivitis (gum disease) which will eventually rob them of their
    teeth.  We're talking absesses here.  It is certaily safer for them
    to be put under light anesthesia now at 10 & 12 yrs than later at
    14 or 15 or so for more serious work.  
    
      We were looking at Jesse's teeth last night.  He has a broken
    canine and I'm going to ask the vet about removing it.  On the one
    hand its a significant tooth and removing it would probably do some
    nasty things to his bite.  One the other hand, its broken way down
    and the pulp and/or root are exposed.  Its a prime candidate for
    absessing.
    
      BTW - I was reading a new book I bought - THE CAT OWNER'S HOME
    VETERINARY HANDBOOK" - and they said that cats have a much lower
    incidence of decay due to the low amount of sugar and carbs in their
    diet.  They also said that whey decay does develop it develops along
    the gum line and not in the crown like humans.
    
      Nancy DC

    Nancy, don't worry about his bite if he has to have it removed!
    Katenka has no teeth on top, and I had to have the lower two
    filed down so they wouldn't catch on her upper lip.  She does
    just fine - gumming dry food and all.  It's really amazing
    how they adjust to the necessary.  Poor Tenka, all I used
    to say to her was, "Fix your lips" - she looked like she
    was smiling all the time!  Even in the ring!
    
    E.T._mom_of_Drippy_Chin

    Re: Jesse and his broken tooth.
    
    My vet says that sometimes when cats have their canines (these are the
    biggie "fang" teeth in front, yes?) removed, they will get
    calloused irritations from the resulting bite.  He didn't mention
    filing down the bottom teeth as a possibility, instead Sweetie had
    a root canal done on the top tooth so it could be saved.
    

    Hmm.  Interesting.  Katenka was born toothless - my show friends
    call her "The Toothless Wonder" or just plain "Toothless."  Such
    unladylike names for such a lady !!

    LADY  FROM THE LAND OF CATS.......
    
    I'm back.
    
    Nancy I believe I spoke to you, about the (3) Females I'm having spayed
    from my neighborhood.  Their appointments are next week.  The
    certificates from "Friends Of Animals" is good till, May 1990.  With
    the cold weather and the fact I can't keep them in, I think I should
    move their appointments till March.
    
    The Humane Society next door to the vets in Lancaster,cannot keep them
    for the 10 day healing they need and they don't always get along, so my
    garage, won't do.  Besides that is right below our bedroom, 10 days
    with no sleep I can't take and I couldn't do it for my husband, he's
    got a bad ticker.......  Rest is extremely important for him.
    
    My heart has been heavey for the littles guys outside in this weather,
    I have some make-shift closings for them.  My husband thinks it's silly
    to make somemore.  If I have to build it myself, I will!!!!!  On that
    note:  Does anyone know of a Furniture or Appilance Place that still
    use the WOODEN CRATES.  That would make a good shelter for my crew!
    
    I still feel hopeless, when the Humance Societies are full and the one
    in Lancaster says they can't afford to take anymore.  Who do you go to,
    from here?  I'm trying to break a male into the house, not sure if
    Scruffy........will like the idea.
    
    Well..........needed to voice once again......... I think I need to
    wait on the spaying for better weather.........no other choice.
    
    

    Pookie also had a "root canal " on  one of her canines last year for
    the same reason.. my vet thought it was the best solution.. Pookie
    did however suggest that in the future,  if she needed other work
    done.. she wants gold inlays.. sigh.. But seriously, my vet
    said that any other action would cause irriations..He did a
    great job.. also Pookie had a cataract removed... and because
    of the fact she  is  Persian.. he also did cosmetic surgery
    at the same time. so that the eye would not droop.. We were
    both pleaseed.. well Her Royal Highness. would not look at any one
    or allow anyone to see that she was missing some "fur" around
    her eye or a couple of weeks due to the surgery.. it was  funny..
    Regards
    Kate

    re: .51
      Carol - why don't you do them one at a time, then they can
    recouperate in your garage.  If you wait until March, you may have
    kittens on your hands.
      Nancy

    Around here cats go into heat in late Jan., waiting till warm
    weather would definately mean kittens. I had an outdoor only kitty
    spayed many years back, and I kept her in until she was no longer
    groggy and sore. This was 2 1/2 days. If all the cats feel bad they
    won't be interested in fighting so you can probably put them all
    together with no problems. Anyone starting a fight is probably ready
    to go back outside. My vet knew the cat was almost feral and used
    stiches that fall out by themselves.
    Sandy
    

    
    THANKS for the ideas!!! (.54).  I'm gonna discuss this with my husband
    some more.  If he can tolerate any noise.  His rest is very important.
    I will do (1) or all three............but, that does not take care of
    all the females in the neighborhood.  There could be at least 3 more, I
    know of.  There's a couple of males, real friendly and pretty I would
    like fixed.  Gonna try.........when we can.  I know everyone has give
    me alot of support and ideas.  But I can only do so much.  There is so
    much help for the poor and homeless organizations..........  There's
    only one place for homeless cats & kittens, and they are full.
    
    I can fix what I can (with the donations already given)  I also must
    look at the weather, where the can stay, and not putting money into
    cats that will die.  If they can't stay in my garage -- between my
    discussions with hubby and the Holidays.  It will have to at least wait
    till Jan.  I have to risk the kittens..... Stress is a big issues when
    it comes to a bad heart.  I have alot to be concerned about, my hubby
    was in the hospital this time last year, just from stress.  He feels
    for the cats too, but we can only do so much and there are so many.
    
    I wish ---- for Christmas, that they all would have a home.  That they
    all could go to the Humane Societies --- this were I though I would of
    had all the help.  Don't get me wrong,  all of your help is much
    appreciated.  Just didn't want to involve  home too much, if you could
    understand.  I feed them and I'm trying to keep them warm.  I know some
    go up my street and I can't control them too......  So I believe I'll
    have kittens for a while (ANYWAYS......)  ANd I intend to work on
    getting them all out.  So it won't keep on happening.
    
    		By the way!
    
    
    			"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FELINES!!"
    
    		             Cat-Nip for all!!!!!
    
    
    

    re: .55  Carol - I know exactly what you mean about involving
    your home.  The biggest obstacle to helping these kitties is the
    lack of shelter space.  Do what you can and if you save one cat
    then its been worth while.
      Nancy DC
    

    Nancy and all..........
    
    I rescheduled the (3) Felines in my neighborhood from today to Jan.
    18th'90.  Due to my husband not feeling well and the Holiday rush.
    
    I'd rather have more time to give to the cats than to stress everybody
    out.  I know there's a possibility of  heat happening, but there are
    most females than the 3 and we will do our best.  I think there's a
    male after Scruffy, but I don't think she goes in heat.  They never did
    shave her tummy to check for a scare and I'm not bringing her back in,
    unless she needs it.
    
    The crew great me everyday and I have the bully in the neighborhood
    beating up on another male, whom I like.  The bully belongs across the
    street -- they don't take care of him at all.  He doesn't go without,
    just is "THE STUD" in the neighborhood and causes trouble.  I'd like
    him to stay away, but when I yell at him it scares the others.  I hope
    he won't pick on the young males, especially one, Stripe -- who's one
    of my favorites.
    
    Well.......just keeping posted.
    
    Carol
    
    

    Carol - I'm sure Jan will be fine.  I'm told that the females will
    start going into heat in January (so the kittens can be born in
    March when the weather is improving).
    
    re: bully - get a good C.A.T. and nail him rather than yelling.
    

    				C.A.T.
    
    ----------- BESIDES, Cat, what does the initials stand for?!?!?
    (Like to just cut his B____ off and that will FIX him..... Re....
    BULLY.
    
    

    
    Re C.A.T. - various, but usually Cat Adjustment Tool :^}
    
    

    Or Catitude Adjustment Tool - a.k.a Squirt bottle!

    I do understand now!